Growing and Training Wisteria

Big and beautiful, wisteria is the queen of climbers. Here, get tips for developing a beautiful plant and controlling its vigor.

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Reduce New Shoots

Once stems are tied in, cut back all other growth to about 12 inches from where it sprouts. Restricting growth and allowing sunlight and air to ripen the young stems helps promote flowering the following year.

Prune Now for Better Growth LaterEnlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - How to Grow Practically Everything © 2010 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Winter Pruning

For best results, prune again in late winter. First identify any long, sappy stems that sprouted after pruning in summer, and prune them back to about five buds away from the main branch, cutting just above a bud.

Prune Wisteria in WinterEnlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - How to Grow Practically Everything © 2010 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Spur Prune

Then, shorten the shoots that were pruned in the summer even farther, back to two or three buds. Look carefully for the fat, round flower buds, and avoid cutting these off. Foliage buds, which can be removed, are slimmer and pointed.

Pruning Flowering Trees and ShrubsEnlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - How to Grow Practically Everything © 2010 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Excerpted from How to Grow Practically Everything

© 2010 Dorling Kindersley Limited

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